Podcast Summary: The Jim Acosta Show Episode: Michael Cohen and Judd Legum on Trump's Escalating Tactics in LA
Release Date: June 9, 2025

Introduction & Context

In this episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta engages in a critical discussion with former White House advisor Michael Cohen and Substack writer Judd Legum. The focus centers on former President Donald Trump's recent actions in Los Angeles, specifically his decision to deploy 700 Marines to assist law enforcement amid escalating protests and unrest.

Jim Acosta opens the conversation by highlighting the alarming military escalation in California:
“ABC News reporting 700 Marines in California have been ordered to assist in LA and they're expected to arrive over the next 24 hours... Perhaps he's preparing to ignite one here at home.” [00:00]

Trump’s Use of Military Force as a Distraction

Michael Cohen asserts that Trump's deployment of the military is a deliberate tactic to create chaos and divert attention from his political shortcomings:
“This is not about national security. This... is pure, unfiltered weapons grade reality show distraction.” [01:04]
He elaborates on Trump's strategy of "fake crisis politics," where creating a manufactured crisis serves to rally his base and obscure his failures.

Jim Acosta echoes this sentiment, describing Trump as an "arsonist" seeking to instigate conflicts:
“He is the arsonist in chief... Donald Trump's goal... has always been to make the United States less diverse.” [22:25]

Historical Patterns & Trump’s Escalation Tactics

The conversation delves into historical parallels, particularly referencing Trump's actions during the George Floyd protests in 2020. Jim Acosta recalls how federal forces were used to clear Lafayette Square for a photo op:
“...you remember this, Michael, he said to Mark Esper, the Defense Secretary... Can we shoot the protesters?” [15:11]

Judd Legum adds that Trump's admiration for authoritarian tactics from other countries influences his current strategies:
“He really admires that kind of show of force... now you do. And I think it's because he really admires that, that kind of show of force.” [34:39]

Implications of Military Deployment in Civilian Protests

The deployment of the National Guard and Marines is critiqued for its potential to exacerbate tensions rather than quell them. Judd Legum emphasizes the dangers of involving military personnel in civilian protests without clear terms of engagement:
“The Department of Defense hasn't even defined the terms of engagement for these troops... it's a very dangerous situation.” [34:39]

Jim Acosta warns of the possible invocation of the Insurrection Act, a move that would mark a significant and concerning escalation:
“It's almost as if Stephen Miller or somebody inside the White House said... you have to have a serious insurrection taking place.” [37:06]

Immigration Policies & Racial Motivations

A significant portion of the discussion addresses Trump's aggressive immigration policies, spearheaded by Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller. Jim Acosta highlights the discrepancy between Trump's promises to target only criminals and the reality of mass deportations affecting families:
“They were saying they were going after criminals... but they're ripping mothers away from their children.” [26:13]

Michael Cohen concurs, explaining that the failure to meet deportation targets has forced the administration to adopt more indiscriminate methods:
“They haven't been able to meet these deportation numbers... which is what created the protests.” [37:06]

Media Coverage & Internal Criticism

The episode touches upon internal media dynamics, particularly criticizing ABC News and specific journalists like Terry Moran for their handling of immigration issues and responses to Trump’s tactics. Jim Acosta voices concern over Moran's tweet denouncing Stephen Miller as being "all about hate," which was subsequently deleted:
“Terry was stating things exactly right... the White House needs to understand. You cannot crush the truth in America.” [30:45]

Michael Cohen supports Acosta's stance, emphasizing the need for honest reporting regardless of repercussions:
“They should be telling you, the American people, the truth... hate in the hearts of some of the people who run this country.” [31:12]

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Jim Acosta and his guests reiterate the dangers posed by Trump's continued use of military force to manage civilian unrest. They call for peaceful protests and vigilance against the manipulation of crises for political gain.

Jim Acosta concludes with a heartfelt appeal to protesters and the American public:
“If there's any, you know, anybody involved with the protests or the demonstrations... please do not play into Trump's hands.” [52:39]

Michael Cohen adds a stark warning about Trump's intentions:
“He will use it and use the chaos as a way to kind of collect more... he is going to be on the precipice of bad things.” [51:17]

The episode underscores the critical need for transparent reporting, peaceful activism, and resistance against attempts to undermine democracy through manufactured crises.

Notable Quotes

• Jim Acosta: “He is the arsonist in chief. He's looking for a fire to start.” [11:02]
• Michael Cohen: “This is fake crisis politics.” [18:03]
• Judd Legum: “It's a real stress test for the court.” [34:39]
• Jim Acosta: “You cannot crush the truth in America.” [27:36]

Key Takeaways

• Escalation of Military Involvement: Trump's deployment of Marines and National Guard units to Los Angeles is seen as a strategic move to create chaos and distract from political failures.

• Pattern of Creating Crises: Historical actions, such as those during the George Floyd protests, demonstrate a consistent pattern of using crises to manipulate public perception and maintain political support.

• Racially Driven Immigration Policies: Aggressive and indiscriminate immigration enforcement targets non-white populations, contradicting Trump's promises to focus solely on criminals.

• Media Accountability: There is a call for honest and fearless journalism to expose the underlying motives and actions of those in power, despite potential backlash.

• Call for Peaceful Protest: Emphasis on the importance of non-violent demonstrations to prevent further escalation and avoid giving Trump more leverage to manipulate the situation.

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show provides an in-depth analysis of Trump's actions in Los Angeles, highlighting concerns over the militarization of civilian protests, the perpetuation of hate-driven policies, and the crucial role of the media and public in safeguarding democracy.